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Two-a-days: Layton football preview

Prep Sports Overtime by Bill Oram and Kyle Goon

Published August 2, 2012 2:51 pm

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Region I has historically made a name for itself with the plethora of running backs to come through the league - luminaries such as Tanner Hinds, Nick Vigil and Karl Williams.

When it comes to quarterbacks and wide receivers, one can do a bit of head scratching in an attempt to come up with standouts over the years.

That could change this fall in Layton. Tyler Fox is one of the fastest, most athletic wideouts in the state. He's a Utah State commit who can change games if he gets the ball in space.

With Fox and a number of other starters returning, coach Jim Batchelor believes his team can make a run this year. The Lancers were 3-7 a season ago at the bottom of the league. But as practice started this week, the team was bubbling with optimism.

"The key is going to be how we play in the league," Batchelor said. "From top to bottom, the league is brutal every year. Every season we get three or four teams advancing far into the playoffs."

Much will ride on the arm - and the maturity - of Hunter Evans, a junior quarterback who was thrown into the fray in week four last season. There were bumps and bruises, overthrows and turnovers. But by the end of the season, Evans seemed to be evolving into the leader Batchelor envisioned.

"We've watched him grow," Batchelor said. "I thought he got more composed and comfortable as the season went on."

Evans is now three inches taller, at 6-foot-1, and added 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason. If he can get the ball to Fox, and if Layton can generate a decent running game, this is an offense that can score points.

LAST YEAR: 3-7, missed playoffsKEY RETURNER: Tyler Fox. The senior Utah State commit will play slot receiver for Layton. His ability in the open field makes him a game-changer. If the Lancers can get him the ball in space, he will be tough to contain. PLAYER TO WATCH: Marcus Kemp, another quick wide receiver, will also start at safety. He's 6-foot-5 and a big complement to Fox. BIGGEST HOLE: The secondary is set at the top with Fox, but the depth behind him and Kemp is suspect. Layton blitzes as much as any team in Region I. If the cornerbacks can't contain in man coverage, the Lancers could get burned deep often. NEED TO KNOW: "Some dope made sure we had the third toughest schedule in the state." Jim Batchelor said. He's right about it being a tough schedule - highlighted by Bingham and Jordan on the road.SEASON OPENER: Hosts Hunter. Aug. 17 @ 7 p.m.